Chapter 205
Augustine reaches across and pats my hand. “A strong relationship isn’t built on lies, Iris. Whatever secret you’re keeping, it will
only grow heavier with time.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the fucking face. She’s right, of course. Every day I keep this from Arthur feels like another brick
added to the wall between us.
“I’ll tell him,” I say firmly. “Soon. Whether Cal–whether anyone else likes it or not.”
Augustine nods approvingly. “Good girl. Now, about book club…”
We chat for another hour about the mystery novel we’re supposed to be reading, although neither of us has made much progress.
Miles eventually comes and knocks on the door, asking for lunch, and we say our goodbyes.
Back upstairs, I check my phone and groan. I completely forgot that my residency presentation is due tomorrow, and I’ve barely
even started. Between the gala, the photoshoot, Caleb’s lessons, and, well… everything else, I’ve been neglecting my actual
career.
I need to focus. But first, I should do something nice for Arthur. Something to show him how much I appreciate everything he’s
done for us. Maybe I could cook his favorite meal, or pick up a new record to add to his vinyl collection…
“Mommy, can I stay at Daddy’s again tonight?” Miles interrupts my thoughts. “I want to sleep in my race car bed!”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. I have a lot of work to do, and-”
Suddenly, the door closes behind me, making me jump. Arthur is standing in the entryway, dressed in his usual work attire: a crisp navy blue suit. “How about a father–son night?” he says, clearly having overheard.
I blink.
“Please, Mommy?” Miles tugs at my sleeve. “I promise I’ll be good!”
I sigh, realizing that I’m outnumbered. Besides, it’ll be an opportunity for me to get some work done without distractions.
Thirty minutes later, I’m standing in the doorway, prattling off a list of instructions.
“Remember, he needs to brush his teeth for two full minutes, not just a quick swipe. And no sweets after dinner, even if he asks nicely. Oh, and he might try to convince you that he’s allowed to stay up past nine, but don’t fall for it-”
“Iris.” Arthur places his hands on my shoulders with an amused smirk that somehow makes him look even more irritatingly handsome than usual. “I’ve got this. Go home and work on your presentation.”
“But I need to tell you-”
“Whatever it is can wait,” he insists, gently steering me toward the door. “Your career is important. Go. Now.”
“Arthur, really-”
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Chapter 205
+25 Bonus
“Nope.” He’s actually pushing me out the door now, laughing. “Stop stalling.”
I open my mouth to finally tell Arthur the truth about my big secret, but Miles chooses that moment to run up and wrap his arms
around Arthur’s legs. My lips press together. I can’t tell him with Miles right here. This is a private conversation. It’s the type of
conversation that has to happen between Arthur and I first, so we can navigate it before we both sit Miles down and explain
everything.
“Daddy, can we make popcorn and watch dinosaur movies?”
Arthur ruffles his hair. “Of course, buddy. As soon as your mom stops trying to micromanage our evening.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling, even if my mind is reeling with the fact that I’m going to have to wait another day to tell Arthur
the truth. “Fine, fine. I’m going.‘
As I step into the hallway, Arthur catches my wrist and pulls me back for a quick kiss. “Good luck with your presentation,”
murmurs against my lips. “We’ll be fine.”
Walking to the elevator, I can’t help but smile. I might be keeping some life–changing secrets, but other than that, life is good.
Almost too good to be true.
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